Yoko Taro, best known for his work on the Drakengard/Nier series, says that he finds it difficult to make “tight-knit friendships” at work because he is “insufferable” when working on a game. He also explains how he’s jealous of those who create a studio with friends as they “have a place to belong.”
In a conversation with Bayonetta and Devil May Cry creator Hideki Kamiya for his studio’s YouTube channel, Yoko talks about how his work as a freelancer differs from Kamiya’s, who has created his studio Clovers with developers he works well with and trusts.
“I’ve worked with many different people, on many different projects,” Yoko says. “I think some people are better at making close friends than others. I’m much more in the latter camp. Maybe I’m just such a warped person, and that’s why I don’t get along well with folks.
“When it comes to making those tight-knit friendships, I feel like I have failed at that during my career in the gaming industry,” he continues. “And I’m actually jealous of you and anyone else who’s managed to make their own company. You have a place to belong.”
When Clovers CEO Kento Koyama chimes in that, from the outside, Yoko seems well liked, he responds, “that’s the facade that people like me have to put on. We make it seem like we’re giving it our all because we’re foolish like that. I’m insufferable at work. I’m the worst. Even I acknowledge that.”
He does say there is one situation in which he thinks his co-workers would like him. “If there was alcohol at work, I’d be great to work with,” Yoko says in jest. “On account of I’d be drinking… [but] nothing good could possibly come of it.” Kamiya encourages his friend, calling it, “a spirited defense of alcohol in the workplace.”
